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Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS)

Professional

This section is for Researchers, Providers, & Helpers

Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS)

Carlson, 2001

Description

The SPTSS is a 17-item self-report measure that assesses DSM-IV symptoms of PTSD. Respondents rate items on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 ("never") to 10 ("always). It is recommended for screening for PTSD symptoms in clinical or research settings. The SPTSS is especially useful for clients with histories of multiple traumatic events or for clients whose trauma history is unknown as it does not key symptoms to any single traumatic event. The SPTSS yields a total score that is the average of the item scores. Item scores can be used to make a preliminary determination about whether client's symptoms meet DSM criteria for PTSD.

Sample Item

"I get very upset when something reminds me of something bad that happened to me." (Respondents are asked to rate frequency of the symptom over the past two weeks.)

Versions

A second version of the SPTSS is available with a more specific response format ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (more than once a day).

To Obtain Scale

Measure availability: We provide information on a variety of measures assessing trauma and PTSD. These measures are intended for use by qualified mental health professionals and researchers. Measures authored by National Center staff are available as direct downloads or by request. Measures developed outside of the National Center can be requested via contact information available on the information page for the specific measure.